The weekend of February 3-5 will be a hot weekend in Saratoga, even if it snows. In both downtown, and Saratoga State Park there will be numerous events, culinary experiences, and entertainment venues, as their 14th Annual Winter Weekend takes over. Chowderfest, especially is a well known part of Winterfest – and draws a big crowd.
Sponsored by The Saratoga Convention &Tourism Bureau, the event is estimated to draw close to twenty thousand visitors. And it all kicks off on Friday night at the Spa State Park with a one mile candlelit loop for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Allison Schweizer, Environmental Educator at the Spa State Park has organized the skiing and snowshoeing portions of the weekend for the past few years and estimates that (weather permitting) the park will draw about 500 people on Friday night from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. for those looking to don those wonderfully big shoes or cross country skis. The event is free and open to the public and volunteers will be on hand to help with shoes/skis.
You won’t have to wear special footwear, but, Schweizer says, “Getting the snow shoes themselves on is the hardest part, about it. Hiking boots work the best.”
The warming hut will be the place to start out for the outdoor activities, and if you get cold, that won’t be the only means of warming up. Sponsors of the event, including Friends of Saratoga Park, and Hope for Hannah will also be serving hot dogs and hot chocolate, respectively. And of course, there’s the glow of candles, which is thanks to Schweizer’s volunteers that number around 20 and include a group of children from the nature 4-Hers. They helped her fill white bags with sand about a quarter of the way with sand, (to stabilize the candles) that will line the trails for snowshoers and skiers alike.
Connie Crudo, Membership and Services Coordinator of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau has been organizing Chowderfest and its downtown area aspects since its inception. She says that 66 restaurants will be participating in the Chowderfest this year, which runs from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with awards for chowders in several categories to be held at 6:00 p.m. at The City Center.
Crudo is amazed when she talks about the growing number of visitors to the area for the weekend, and that evidence can be reflected in the number of t-shirts given out to voters of Chowderfest. She reports, “Last year we gave out two thousand shirts, and they went quick! This year we’ve ordered three thousand [in anticipation of collectors seeking to get their shirts].”
Visitors can get ballots for chowder voting at any of the participating restaurants, and can turn them in at the City Center where they can receive their shirts.
“We’ve added a new category to Chowderfest this year, now we also have a dessert category,” says Crudo. This should make for some interesting entries.
More Events during the weekend
Sled racing at Prestwick Chase (100 Saratoga Blvd.) where participants are welcome to fashion sleds out of cardboard and duct tape, and nothing else. This event is free, but you must pre-register. 12-3 on Sunday.
Photographers in front of Impressions, where you’ll be able to get your picture taken and purchase photo cards.
Live broadcast from Radio Disney from 2:00-3:30 at the Saratogian parking lot.
Live broadcast of WEQX at City Center.
5th Annual Dog Chow Down – Chowder just for dogs! You can bring your pooch to enjoy the array of chowders for dogs. 1:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Downtowner Motel. Mayor and Julie Johnson’s dog Biff will decide the winner.
“A lot of people stay after that 4:00 hour when Chowderfest ends, and there’s still a lot to do,” says Crudo who points out that most restaurants/pubs will have some form of musical entertainment at that point.
